Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard imaging modality for soft tissues. It produces detail cross-sectional images of soft tissue and bone anatomy, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, brain and organs, without the use of ionizing radiation. In addition to orthopedic imaging, MRI is also used for heart, brain and breast. MRI uses gadolinium contrast in many exams to highlight tissues and blood vessels, which enhances images and offers better diagnostic quality. It can also be used in conjunction with PET scans. How does MRI work? MR creates images by using powerful magnets to polarize hydrogen atoms in water (the body is made of of more than 80% water) so they face in one direction. A radiofrequency pulse is then used to ping these atoms, causing them to wobble, or resonate. The MRI coils detect this and computers can assemble images from the signals. Basic MRI scans will focus on the resonance of fat and water in two different sequences, which highlight and contrast different features in the anatomy.

Prenuvo MRI Sollis Health

Whole-body MRI startup Prenuvo partners with concierge emergency care provider catering to the wealthy

Sollis Health operates private emergency rooms, allowing customers to bypass hospitals to receive around-the-clock care from physicians. 

The 5-minute MRI: AI algorithm reduces scan times by 57% while maintaining image quality

The decrease in duration allows for more examinations in the same timeframe, enhances patient comfort and reduces the chance of image distortion. 

An MRI of a fetus inside the mother. The freakish appearance of the eyes and the face are normal for MRI fetal imaging. Image courtesy of RSNA

PHOTO GALLERY: What does fetal medical imaging look like?

This is a clinical photo gallery of fetal imaging that explains what all can be seen on medical imaging, how sex is determined, how measurements are used to track the development of a baby.

Kate Hanneman, MD, University Of Toronto, explains why vendors and hospitals are increasingly discussing lowing their carbon footprint by starting with radiology. 

What does radiology have to do with climate change?

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

ACR updates requirements for on-site staff overseeing contrast administration

A clinician trained to manage reactions should be on-site at any imaging facilities doing contrast studies to maintain patient safety.

Cardiologist heart

Cardiac imaging use is skyrocketing, and radiologists are rising to the challenge

Over the course of a decade, the number of CT exams leapt 353% by 2022, while MRI climbed nearly 283%, researchers detailed Wednesday. 

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Class action lawsuit claims radiologists subjected patients to ‘secret’ MRI research

Physician allegedly kept patients in scanners for extra examinations as part of a study evaluating the livers of indigenous peoples. 

Avatar Medical virtual reality imaging

Startup that creates avatars via CT, MR images raises $5.4M from radiologists and investors

Paris-based Avatar Medical believes such physician financing demonstrates “strong support” for its medical solution.

Around the web

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

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